New Water Conservation Rules:

On Tuesday, July 15, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted a new regulation aimed at cutting outdoor water use. The new rules prohibit washing driveways and sidewalks and using a hose without a shut-off nozzle to wash vehicles. Local water agencies will be responsible for enforcement.

Individual water users could be fined up to $500 for violating the restrictions, while water agencies could be fined up to $10,000 per day for not enforcing the regulations.

Most of the water agencies serving the East Bay already have conservation policies in place. It is unclear if these new state-level restrictions will result in any policy changes at the local level. None of the agencies have indicated how they will enforce the new State conservation rules.”

Provided by Dave Stark